Muskoka Mosaic: A life of giving freely

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MUSKOKA – In his 75 years, Dave Marsh has led an interesting life.
From spending the first seven years of his life living in the arctic, where he trapped his first fox at the age of four, to putting himself through six years of university, where he received a masters in science and became a physics teacher, to doing what he can to support the community through donations, he’s a man of many stories.
He retired from his teaching career in 1998 and spends his time between Huntsville and Parry Sound with his wife, Dorthia.
Being a firm believer in charity and living comfortably on his pension, Marsh is known in the community for his efforts to give back.
“You can’t take it (money) with you,” he said.
Since 1980, he and his wife have been sending about 250 drums (260-gallon) filled with things like skates, sewing machines, skis, all sorts of clothing and boots, to the Arctic.
He also purchases many items on sale at various businesses throughout the community and donates them to the local food banks and a number of businesses give what they can to support his cause.
“I hate seeing kids go hungry,” said Marsh. “In a sense, it’s a community thing.”
He estimates that businesses that make contributions to him through goods provide about $4,000 a month worth of product for the food bank.
“We have a lot of rich people retired here, but we also have a lot of people hurting here, especially in the winter. From my point of view, I don’t believe in wasting anything.”
He believes more people can get involved with the local food banks through volunteering or donating items or funds.
Marsh said he gives about an hour a day to the food bank.
“What else do I have? I have money, I have time,” he said.
His philosophy is that a community that works together can take care of each other.
“Do what you can do well,” said Marsh.Thank you Lindsay Strood for recommending Marsh. If you know someone in the community you would like to recommend, contact Mandi Hargrave at mhargrave@metrolandnorthmedia.com or 705-789-5541 ext. 285.